Kanheri Caves - Part 17

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This is the 17th article in my series on the Kanheri Caves. In the earlier parts, I explored the architectural layout and sculptural grandeur of Cave No. 1, 2, 3 and 4, covering their majestic entrances, imposing pillars, colossal Buddha images, donor couple sculptures, extensive sculptural panels along the verandah walls, stupas, lion crowned pillars, votive stupas, some of the earliest Buddha figures, and much more. In this part, I now move slightly northward from Cave No. 4 to cover Cave No. 5.

Cave No. 5 is not a cave in the usual sense. What we see here are two water cisterns carved into the rock. Close to these cisterns are two damaged niches, each showing a Buddha seated with pendant legs. Though weathered, the posture is still recognizable, and the hands are arranged in Vyakhyana mudra. An inscription is found above these cisterns, adding historical depth to what otherwise appears to be a simple functional excavation.




For the benefit of beginners: Vyakhyana mudra is a symbolic hand gesture where the tips of the thumb and index finger meet, while the other fingers extend outward, often suggesting explanation or discourse. A vedika in a stupa is the sacred stone or wooden railing that encloses the dome and the circumambulatory path, functioning as a boundary that separates the sacred space from the ordinary world.

This inscription is engraved over the two water tanks on the path leading up the hill. Unfortunately, its condition is very poor. Since rainwater flows over this surface during the monsoon season, the letters have suffered heavy damage, and many of them are no longer visible.

The script is Brahmi of the 2nd century CE, while the language is Sanskrit. Even in its damaged state, the inscription preserves important information. It records that the water cistern was the meritorious gift of a minister named Sateraka. More significantly, it also refers to the queen of the illustrious Vasisthiputra Satakarni, who ruled roughly between 130 and 160 CE. The queen is described as descending from the race of the Karddamaka kings and as the daughter of Mahakshatrapa Rudradaman.

This record is especially important because it reveals the relationship between the Satavahanas and the Western Kshatrapas. Based on the restored reading, scholars have inferred that Vasisthiputra Satakarni was the son in law of Mahakshatrapa Rudradaman. The restorations are considered reliable, although the inscription today is in such poor condition that several letters are missing entirely.

Stay with me to continue exploring other caves of Kancheri in the forthcoming episodes. Till then...

Happy travelling.




Bibliography - "Kanheri Inscriptions" by Shobhana Gokhale

This is Part 17 of the series of articles on Kanheri Caves. If you are interested to read the earlier parts of the series, click the links below.


Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Part 9

Part 10

Part 11

Part 12

Part 13

Part 14

Part 15

Part 16

Location: 6W53+4WV, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400066, India

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